Seerat Kapoor began her career as an Assistant Choreographer for Rockstar. She made acting debut in 2014 Telugu film Run Raja Run. After delivering back-to-back hits like Touch Chesi Chudu, ‘Columbus’ and ‘Krishna and his Leela’ in the Tollywood industry, Seerat Kapoor is now set to make her Big screen Bollywood debut along with Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor in ‘Maarrich’. Seerat Kapoor will also be playing the female lead in Dil Raju’s next production venture, which is yet to be titled. Seerat Kapoor also acclaimed midnight fame for her song, ‘Slow Slow’ alongside Badshah.

1. Please tell us about your growing up days. Where are you from? Where did you study? What was your dream career in your childhood days?
I was born in Africa. Mombassa, Kenya. However I have spent most of my growing up years here in India, Mumbai. My schooling was from Podar International (IB) till grade 12, post which I chose Arts at R.D National College.
Inspired by my mother’s career, I recall first wanting to be an air hostess for the travel the profession had to offer. Soon after, I saw my mother studying for her flight safety examinations that is when I remember changing my mind.

2. Were there any kind of apprehensions entering the field of cinema? When and how did the journey toward being an actor happen?
No apprehensions except the acceptance of the time to time inconsistency any creative field tends to offer. I accidentally walked into an audition for a skin brand. It was the mystery of film making and behind the scenes that first got my attention. I felt my calling and didn’t look back there after.
Like they say the universe transpires, I was launched that very year by the south film industry through my debut film Run Raja Run.

3. How was your experience working in the South Indian film industry?
Very organic I would say. I feel over the years the audience and the industry have supported my choice of characters and allowed me to evolve as an actor through my roles.

4. Was language a problem since you’re a Punjabi? How much of the south Indian languages do you know? The South film industry has given you love and affection? What do you have to say about the South Indian film industry?
I honestly learnt the language along my career. Of course at first it took immense practice and hours of training but I’m also of the belief that if you enjoy what you do, the process becomes easier. I learnt all my dialogues and performed it in Telugu for every film until eventually even the language became comfortable. Both the audience and the Telugu industry have welcomed me with large open hearts and for that I will always be grateful.

5. What have been some of the biggest highpoints of your journey so far?
Apart from playing some very interesting characters, I have had the fortune of working with mega stars like Nagarjuna Akkineni and Ravi Teja. My Bollywood debut “Maarrich” gifted me with the opportunity to share screen space with veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor. It’s the experience I take back, the moments of conversations we’ve bonded over along our journey of filming.

6. What does family mean to you?
Everything. My family is my priority. Their happiness keeps my soul nourished and my energy going.

7. What are your other passions and hobbies?
Interiors, painting, dancing and singing. I was a dance instructor before I ventured into the world of cinema. I trained and taught styles such as street jazz, ballet, funk, hip hop and contemporary at Ashley Lobo’s company The Danceworx, Mumbai. I am a trained Hindustani singer in semi classical and classical forms from Rajashree School Of Music, Mumbai.

8. What is your vision and dream in this field now?
To be able to connect with my fans and everyone across the globe with strong scripts and layered characters through my films. My purpose is to grow with every performance and opportunity that presents itself ahead of me.

9. How has life changed after entering the film industry?
I feel more responsible. There’s suddenly people looking up to you in every way. It’s important to stay authentic, grounded and kind through the glitz and fame.

10. What kind of person are you in your personal space? How do you like to spend your me-time?
Leave me in a room with my family and close bunch of friends and I’m the most content. Moments shared at home with loved ones, keep you rooted and allow the inner child in you to laugh freely. That’s how I end up rejuvenating through my me-time!

11. How often do you take holidays and travel? What are your preferred holiday destinations? Have you started traveling for leisure now that the world is opening up?
I’m quite the workaholic, by the end of the year I want to either pack my bags and leave for a trip to the mountains or hear the ocean waves by the beach. My trip to Europe was unlike any other. Leisure is being in the moment.

12. When you tie up with a brand, what do you see in whatever you associate yourself with?
I look for alignment with the ethos of the brand and the message it wants to put across to the audience. It would be a great association if we can embrace and explore our uniqueness together.

13. How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I listen to my heart and somehow a balance always finds its way.

14. Any memorable fan messages you’d like to share?
I can’t choose one. Their support and encouragement is what has led me to where I am today. Every message sent by them holds utmost value.

15. Who are your close friends from the industry?
I’m sure you will organically soon enough know.

16. What has been one of your favourite roles so far that you have played?
She’s yet to be written.

17. What are the projects you’re working on currently? Please share all of them in detail.
A Dance Musical (Yet to be titled) produced by Dil Raju and “Maarrich” produced by Tusshar Kapoor Entertainments. The film also features Nasseerudin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor in the lead cast.

18. What is your view about films in the OTT world of today? Also your views on social media and how much time do you spend on it?
The OTT world has opened several doors for creatives to come forward and share their voice and vision. I think it’s a great time for everyone to come together and entertain our people with diversity and honesty. Social media is a great platform if used for its better known benefits. It would be heart warming to watch everyone encourage young talents, artists and people from all walks of life and use social media as a power tool of inspiration.

19. How would you like to describe your fashion statement?
Classic and Original.

20. Your fitness and beauty regime?
Pilates. 8 hours of sleep, water and balanced meals.

21. What are your future plans?
Well I am known to be driven by my instinct.

Rapid Fire

Your dream role?
My dream role would be a character most passionate about creativity and the performing arts. A Dancer, Singer and an Artist.

Dream director?
There isn’t one in today’s time because within the industries almost every creative carries a sense of individually through their own body of work and filmographies. I’d prefer to play as many versatile characters. Given the opportunity, Sir Rajamouli, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Zoya Akhtar have always inspired me with their worlds.

Your favourite actor and actress?
Honestly, everyone carries their best selves forward and that I feel is something to take back as a common favourite from all. Their unique personalities set each of their films apart.

Your pet peeve.
Snacking. Midnight snacking. Counted? I’m not sure.

Some essentials that you always carry in your bag
My purse, phone, sunscreen, lip balm, blush, mascara and a fragrance.

Yoga or gym?
Pilates. It’s a terrific amalgamation of both.

Indian food or global cuisine?
Indian food.

Closest friends from the industry or outside?
Both.

Beaches or hills?
Mountains. Yeah.

Veg or non veg?
Non veg.

Fame or money?
Character. Fame. Money.

Indian wear or Western wear?
Western on the run. Indian for festive occasions.

Straight hair or curls?
Curls.

The last good film/web series you watched?
The Blonde. Such depth in every performance.

A movie you would recommend
The Pursuit of Happiness.

First thing you notice about a person?
Their eyes and smile.

One thing that makes you feel beautiful?
Goodwill.

Politics, religion, business. Sports or entertainment?
Entertainment.

Go out with a mask or rather stay home?
Either way, I’d rather stay home.

What does social media mean to you?
A closer reflection of the various sides to your individual personality.

How would you define love?
Love is understanding and compatibility strengthened over time. Why define mutual Admiration, Care and Respect for each other.

The top three things you are looking for in a life partner.
A good human being. One who is kind, respectful and thoughtful towards everyone around.

Your first love?
In school, when I was in the seventh standard.

My birthday.

I was born in Africa at a time my doctor was literally stuck in the jungle. This was in Mombassa, Kenya. I remember my dad with the help of the nurse, carried out the whole procedure. Safe to say it was quite an entry into the world and one of my most special memories.